Ontario Providing Stability for Students and Families

News Release

Ontario Providing Stability for Students and Families

No Fundamental Changes to Average Class Sizes for 2019-20 School Year

TORONTO — Ontario's government is taking action to provide students and their families with predictability for the upcoming school year by introducing modest changes to current class sizes. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, was joined by Sam Oosterhoff, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, Vijay Thanigasalam, MPP for Scarborough-Rouge Park, and Christina Mitas, MPP for Scarborough Centre today to host a parent and educator roundtable ahead of the new school year.

"I am determined to put our students first and listen to those we serve," said Minister Lecce. "Today I want to reassure students and their families that this September class sizes will remain effectively the same as last year."

Amendments to Ontario's class size regulation are being made for the 2019-20 school year to reflect up to:

One additional student, funded on average, per class for students in grades 4 to 8;

An additional half student per class for students in grades 9 to 12, for a funded average of approximately 22.5 provincially; and

No changes to class size requirements for students in junior kindergarten to grade 3.

"From day one, I have made it clear that I was intent on listening to, and working with, our education sector partners," said Minister Lecce. "Our mission remains to land a deal in good faith, that puts our students first, so parents and educators can have the predictability they deserve."

Quick Facts

Ontario is providing $1.6 billion in Teacher Job Protection for school boards between the 2019-20 and 2022-23 school years. This funding will help maintain teaching positions, so that staffing reductions can be managed through teacher retirements and voluntary leaves.

The Ministry of Education provides the framework, funding, and flexibility needed to support school boards in meeting class size requirements for all grades across the province. Local school boards are responsible for class organization.

Ontario is increasing investments in public education, mental health supports, special education, math, and French-language education.